True equality means holding everyone accountable in the same way, regardless of race, gender, faith, ethnicity — or political ideology.” - Monica Crowley.

The quote from Monica Crowley resonates profoundly with the Pakistani youth, who stand as the singular beacon of hope amidst the pervasive chaos engulfing our nation. The prevailing situation in our country is one of utter disarray, starkly contrasting with the optimism and potential embodied by its youthful population. Here, I aim to proffer some fundamental principles to guide the political enlightenment of Pakistani youth and elucidate their significance in the broader international landscape.

In the aftermath of World War II the victorious powers converged with a singular purpose: to erect a global order that might safeguard against the harrowing cataclysms of war that had ravaged the Western world. This pivotal juncture in history produced a framework built upon four cornerstone principles, each indispensable in shaping the fabric of nations and societies in the post-war era.

Foremost among these principles was the unequivocal endorsement of democracy as the linchpin of a legitimate polity. Recognised as the embodiment of popular will, democracy emerged as an essential bulwark against tyranny and despotism. Its significance lay not in the mechanics of governance but in the ethos of legitimacy and credibility it conferred upon political systems.

The sanctity of democratic processes stood as a beacon, guiding nations towards governance that upheld the equality and sovereignty of citizens. This assertion can be corroborated by quoting Nelson Mandela who once eloquently stated, “To be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”

In this profound statement, Mandela encapsulates the essence of democracy and its transformative power. He believed that democracy isn’t just about individual liberty, but also about fostering a society where the rights and dignity of everybody are upheld. Mandela understood that democracy empowers people to shape their own destinies; to participate in decision-making processes; and to hold their leaders accountable.

Through democracy, societies can break the shackles of oppression, inequality and injustice; and strive towards a future where every person has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to the collective well-being. Mandela’s words remind us that democracy is not just a political system, but also a moral imperative—a pathway to a more inclusive, equitable and prosperous world for all.

The second pillar was the rule of law — the bedrock upon which just and equitable societies are erected. By enshrining the supremacy of law and constitution, autocratic tendencies were curtailed, ensuring that no individual or faction could subvert the collective will of the populace. In upholding the rule of law, nations paved the path towards social justice and egalitarianism, fostering an environment where the rights of every individual were sacrosanct.

A statement by Kofi Anan is pertinent here: “The rule of law is the cornerstone of a just society. It ensures that power is exercised fairly, transparently and accountably; and that every individual is subject to the same laws, applied impartially. Without the rule of law, there can be no guarantee of liberty, security or justice for all.”

Integral to this paradigm was the recognition and protection of human rights — a universal mandate that transcended borders and boundaries. Upholding the rights of every individual, irrespective of creed, ethnicity or socio-economic standing, became paramount in countering the scourge of marginalisation and discrimination.

Safeguarding minorities, addressing gender disparities and empowering marginalised communities were imperative steps in fostering inclusive societies, where the dignity and worth of every human being were upheld. Human rights serve as the bedrock upon which societies cultivate dignity, equality and justice for all individuals. Beyond their intrinsic moral value, human rights yield tangible and practical benefits to the citizenry.

By upholding human rights principles, nations foster environments where individuals can flourish without fear of discrimination, oppression, or arbitrary treatment. This fosters social cohesion, stability, and trust in institutions, thus nurturing environments conducive to innovation, productivity, and economic prosperity. Moreover, protecting human rights ensures that every member of the society has access to essential services, such as education, healthcare and fair employment opportunities, thereby enhancing overall well-being and quality of life.

Additionally, safeguarding human rights bolsters the legitimacy of governments, fostering greater citizen engagement and participation in democratic processes. In essence, the practical benefit of human rights lies in the creation of inclusive, equitable and thriving societies where every individual can realise their full potential and contribute meaningfully to the collective advancement of the nation.

At the apex of this ideological framework lay the cherished ideal of freedom — both of thought and action. Revered as the quintessence of humanity, freedom was the cornerstone of individual agency and self-determination. Freedom is the catalyst for innovation, growth and societal development.

An innate desire for autonomy and self-determination, traits that are nurtured and empowered through freedom, is fundamental to human nature. By granting individuals the liberty to express themselves; pursue their aspirations; and contribute to society according to their abilities and convictions, freedom unleashes the full potential of human creativity and ingenuity. It fosters an environment where ideas can flourish, where diversity thrives and where individuals are empowered to challenge the status quo and drive change.

Freedom is a bulwark against tyranny and oppression, safeguarding against the concentration of power in the hands of a few and ensuring that governance remains accountable to the people. In societies where freedom is upheld, citizens are more likely to actively engage in civic life, fostering a culture of democracy, pluralism and respect for human rights.

The advancement of a nation or state is inexorably linked to the extent to which freedom is cherished, protected and enshrined as a fundamental principle of governance and societal organisation. In safeguarding freedom, nations not only honour the intrinsic rights of their people but also secure their rightful place in the comity of nations.

As we reflect upon these fundamental principles, it becomes evident that their relevance transcends temporal and geographical boundaries. They constitute the bedrock upon which the edifice of modern civilisation stands. They are a testament to the enduring aspirations of humanity for peace, justice and liberty.

For the Pakistani youth, poised at the threshold of history, these principles are not mere words but guiding beacons, illuminating the path towards a brighter tomorrow. In their steadfast commitment to democracy, justice and human rights, they must forge not just a future, but also a legacy of enduring progress and collective prosperity.

These principles must form an integral part of the education and be instilled in the minds of the university-going Pakistani youth in the profoundest possible manner. There adherence to these principles will ensure the democratic future for Pakistan.

The writer is a professor in the Faculty of Liberal Arts at the Beaconhouse